Notoriously Violent Prisoner Selling 'Sensitive' Artwork

—Oct. 1, 2014 -- A notoriously violent inmate serving a life prison sentence -- much of it in solitary confinement -- is now selling almost 200 pieces of his artwork, a collection that an auctioneer claims "displays sensitivity" and "kindness."

Charles Salvador, best-known under the name Charles Bronson, has been called “Britain’s most violent prisoner." Born Michael Peterson in 1952, Salvador has spent most of his adult life in prison, where he became famous for fighting both prison guards and fellow inmates, often attacking several men at a time. Although he has never killed anyone, Salvador's repeated violent behavior over the years, including taking prison workers hostage, resulted in a life sentence. He first went to jail as a 22-year-old for robbing a post office of roughly $40.

Now, as the 61-year-old Salvador announces the adoption of a new, non-violent identity, he has asked his family to sell his old artwork and effects, including drawings, music, photographs, and even clippings of his beard.

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Jonathan Humbert, the auctioneer dealing Salvador’s work, said that despite his violent reputation, Salvador’s art is surprisingly complex. “His artwork displays sensitivity, empathy, kindness, and humor that you wouldn't associate with a man of his fearsome reputation,” Humbert told ABC News.

Salvador announced in a hand-written letter in August that he would cast off the persona of Charles Bronson, the name he’d been using since 1987, and renounce the violence for which he’d been known for so long.

“It’s non-violent all the way,” he wrote. “It’s a peaceful journey from here on."

As part of his new identity, he asked his family to sell all of the artwork associated with his old name, said Humbert. The collection is being offered by his mother Eira Peterson, 85, and other family members. An undisclosed portion of the proceeds will go to the UK-based Brain Tumour Charity and Keech Cottage Hospice in Luton, Salvador's childhood hometown.

“Despite spending some 38 years in jail, much of it in solitary confinement, his art is very intelligent,” Humbert said. “The human condition still shines through. He still retains a sense of humor.”

Three pieces of Salvador's art at a previous auction each sold for around £1,000 (approximately $1,600).

The auction of Salvador’s work will take place on Oct. 9. More examples of his art can be found at www.the-saleroom.com/jphumbert.